SOC 1101 Lecture Notes - Social Physics, Social Integration, Group Cohesiveness
Document Summary
None of these philosophers approached society from a sociological, systematic and scientific point of view. Most imagined ideal society what humans should strive for. Sociology responded to dramatic transformations in europe in the 19th century (france, germany, england, everywhere else) Agriculture and handmade products -> manufacturing and related industries (farm to factory ) Population moving from rural areas to cities. Changes by these 2 revolutions had significant impact. Breaking ties to land, communities, ancestors, weakening relationships between families. Anonymity, isolation, inadequate housing, crowded cities, unsanitary and unhealthy work and living conditions, homelessness, high rates of poverty, pollution, criminal behaviour, etc. Strikes, protest, social uprising, angry mobs clashing with the police or the army, etc. Observations of emerging social trends set early framework for sociology. Society as the product of individual self-interest. New political climate: individual freedom and rights. Introduction of a new principle into history by demanding political action to redress mass poverty.
